Tag Archives: Fennel Pollen

Though Mediterranean in origin, fennel’s shape resembles a Scottish bagpipe, from its bulb-shaped base to as many as six celery-like stalks jutting awkwardly outward. Above these, as with a bagpipe’s tassels, fennel’s feathery, dill-looking “leaves” decorate each stalk end. A member of the parsley family, the bulb of fennel has the texture of celery and is used from antipasto to fine desserts. This curious organic creation tastes mildly like anise or licorice. Yes. This bulb configuration is also the source of fennel seed and a very highly-prized, expensive fennel pollen.

This specimen is not the result of genetic engineering gone astray though it looks that way. Early on, King Charlemagne insisted fennel be grown in the palace gardens. Later all the Romans were making elaborate salads with fennel and a vinaigrette dressing. Shakespeare enjoyed fennel bulb with fish.

Rich in vitamin A, this vegetable has a fair amount of calcium, phosphorus, iron and potassium.

Select firm bulbs, not brown and its green top not limp. Store the entire vegetable tightly wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator.

The folks at famed Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor, Michigan, refer to fennel polen as, “Fairy dust for food lovers — it makes food sparkle with flavor.” They further confess, “Wow. In twenty years of cooking and traveling, I’ve never tasted anything else remotely like this. It’s exhilarating—intoxicating even. When I’m having a rough day I just open the jar and stick my nose inside. Its aroma is sweet and pungent, smelling intensely of everything great about fennel and then some. Continue reading →